Disclaimer: I do not own outsiders

The movie Beau took me to was being played at this drive in called The Nightly Double. Just as he promised a few of his friends were already there with their dates, having arrived just after the high school football game ended. Beau was on the football team and hadn't eaten after, so we began walking toward the concessions to grab a bite before the movie started. The night was cool and brisk, as we maneuvered our way through the crowds of people. After almost loosing Beau several times, I wish he would slow down or at least grab my hand. I hadn't seen him look back once to make sure I was still even following.

Finally we reached the door of the little diner themed Concessions. Walking through the door Beau simply glanced back while giving me a short whist full smile. I Couldn't help but remember all the chivalrous stories I read about in books, and compare them to the lack of chivalry I had experienced tonight. Something an old friend of my dad's once said came to mind. "You can always tell a gentleman by the gestures he makes." I.e. coming to the door to pick up your date instead of honking, or opening the door for your date before you enter a building. I quickly dismissed those thoughts, as quickly as they came. Beau had been great all evening, and was about to buy me dinner. Besides rarely is reality ever as good as fantasy.

Sitting at a table, Beau and I began eating. "So," I started casually, "Think the movie will be any good?"

"Sure it will." He said. I didn't miss the look he gave me, and I wasn't at all sure I liked it.

After several failed attempts to start a conversation, I asked him how his game went. I was rewarded with a play by play repeat of the entire game.

Couldn't he just say 'Great, we won!", and tell me about the great things he did, and spare me the play by play?

I finally resigned to finishing my food and nodding here and there for effect. He was so into it, I didn't even need to make eye contact. For such a popular guy, he really needed to work on his conversation skills.

"You finished?" He asked me after a while.

"Yeah, I am." I said pleasantly, wiping my hands on a paper napkin. Thank You Jesus!

...

Back at the car Beau introduced me to his football buddies, although I'm not really sure you could call it that. They all seemed to be busy reliving tonight's game, reenacting plays, making tackles, and reliving the glory they felt on the field. It took only but a moment before Beau sprinted off to join his friends.

"So, you'r new here?" A voice called. As I turned to look I saw that the question came from a girl with dark blond hair, that was arranged into an intricate bun. She looked expensive. You could tell from her clothes, and perfectly done nails, and diamond earrings that she came from money.

I thought to ask her if she had seen me before this week. Maybe that would answer her question. But technically the girl hadn't done anything to me yet, so sarcasm really wasn't needed. Besides I would like to get through tonight drama free. So instead I said, "Yeah, I just moved here from New Mexico."

"You see a lot of Mexicans, over there?" Another girl with reddish hair asked.

Was that an ignorant or a racist question?... Hmmm I couldn't decide...

"Are you Mexican?" Blondie questioned with a sneer, "You kinda have that look about you."

Who is this girl? Why should it matter?

"My mom was half," I said simply, giving her a stony look of my own.

"Oh, really? What do you mean, 'was'? She asked

"She died when I was three." I said evenly, not meeting her eye. I wasn't quite sure where exactly this was going, but all I knew was that Blondie had a look in her eye, and I had a feeling things were about to get violent real quick, if she kept it up.

"It's a shame she died when you were so young," she said sullenly, " It must have been hard for you to live your entire life with just your dad, I mean look at you. I'm sure that if your mother was still around, you would have had more feminine qualities. If you ever decide you want to take more pride in your appearance I would be happy to give you a few pointers." She finished with mock sweetness, even batting her eyelashes for effect. At this the redhead and another blonde giggled, giving me sympathetic once overs. I was right... Screw a drama free night.

But instead of getting violent, I decided two could play that game.

"Wow," I said warmly, matching her tone, " That means so much coming from you. You have been so kind, I think you ought to know. I overheard someone say how much that shirt your wearing washes out your complexion. At first I was like 'what are these people talking about?' but then I got to looking and it's true. That shirt doesn't do you any justice. It's a shame your so pale. It really is a beautiful top. Such a shame..." I said trailing off distractedly. I cocked my head to the side as if I was staring off into space.

People like her thrive on other people recognizing their beauty, it's an insecurity thing. Better to make her think those people are talking about her flaws, rather than how perfect she is.

"Who said that? She demanded in a voice like steel.

Playing the dunce, I continued to stare off into space thoughtfully as if I hadn't heard her.

"Well?" She repeated, voice becoming shrill.

Seemingly jumping out of my revere I asked, "I'm sorry? I didn't hear you." batting my innocent eyes I looked at the movie screen. "Oh! I think the movie is about to start. It really was a pleasure meeting you." I said smiling. "Bye!" I called over my shoulder as I made my way toward the group of boys. I couldn't help but feel pleased with myself, no matter how childish I had acted.

She acts that way because people let her get away with it. People like Blondie live in this world of cutting remarks to gain power. A world of gossip and rumors, It's all a game, to see how much power you can take away from someone else. Well if she wanted to play, I was all for the competition, because in this game words are power. I have the greatest writers in the world to mentor me, and I had to believe the words of Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain were more thought out and powerful than the words of some high school twit. Part of me told myself, that it didn't matter, and there was no excuse for acting that way, and that actions like that made me no better than her. I knew that part of me was right, but she had talked about my mom. Plus it was so satisfying, watching the way their mouths dropped in shock.

...

The movie was boring to say the least, and it was getting harder and harder to stave off the wandering hands of Beau. Inch by inch they seemed to creep their way farther up my thigh, when they had previously been resting on my knee. Desperatly I grabbed his hand and held it in mine.

Please just let me get through tonight, still intact.

Beau shifted in his seat next to me. Turning my head away from the movie, I spared a galnce at him. He was staring at me, as he slowly inched forward. Reaching out a hand he cupped my cheek to draw me closer. His lips were soft against mine and timidly I began moving my lips in time with his. His lips tasted like salt, and I could smell the aftershave he must have put on after his shower. The kiss started slowly at first, but soon began to pick up momentum, as he began moving his hands all over my body. I found myself pressed against the door of the car, while Beau's hands had plucked a few of the buttons at the front of my shirt. Abandoning that escapde, they creeped up the back of my shirt to fumble with the clasp on my bra.

Okay thats enough.

Pushing against him I told him to stop. Willing him to go back to his side of the car.

"Stop!" I said, gasping for air. "Stop it!" I gave him one last shove slapping him hard in the process.

"I said stop it!" He fell back against his seat holding his face with one hand. I didn't miss the hard look in his eyes, but before he could react I yanked the handle on the car door, swinging it open.

"thump."

Some one cursed as I fell backward out of the Car.

"What the fuck?" A harsh voice said above me. I didnt have time to look because Beau was climbing over the gears. Before he could get out of the car I propelled the car door forward kicking it shut, effectively slamming it on Beau's face.

Muffled curses could be heard behind the door as I scrambled to pick myself up off the ground. Someone in the group of boys standing around the car laughed, "Well I'll be damed, a date gone bad. Lookie here boys, this one's feisty."

Before I could take off, a hard hand grabed my arm. "You know," he said, "it's customary when you hit someone with a door, to apologize." This boy had white blond hair and piercing bule eyes that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Are you refering to him, or you?" I asked smartly, trying to hide the unease in my voice.

Desperately trying to yank my arm from his grasp, Beau stumbled out of his car, nursing a bloody nose.

"You bitch!" He yelled, lunging at me. Before he could touch me Vice Grip yanked be backward finaly letting go. I fell, again finding the hard ground. Only to find more calloused hands grab my arms, but this time to help me up.

"Looks like you need to keep a better handle on your girl." Vice Grip said. He was about a foot or so taller than Beau, and had a strong muscular build.

"Stay outta' this Winston! This is between me and her!" He spat. Beau was in a rage, and clearly wasn't in his right mind.

I have to get out of here.

I desperately looked around for any means of escape, but my gaze fell on the other three boys with this Winston guy. The one who had helped me up, was standing closest. He had dark gold hair combed back, and possibly the most beautiful face I had ever seen. Another had sideburns and hair the color of rust. He looked as if he was enjoying the scene before him. The last was a smaller boy, possibly the youngest in the group. He had longer light brown hair than the rest, but he was looking at the scene with a ghostly pale face.

Reluctantly looking away from the tourtured teen, I forced my attention back to Beau and the Winston guy. I had already missed part of what was said, and Vice Grip was laughing a cutthrought laugh that sent Beau lunging.

My eyes barly had time to register, because in a matter of seconds, Winston had Beau by his shirt collar, shoved up against the car, and expertly landed a blow to his stomach.

"Another move like that soc, and you might not live to see tomorrow. I sure do hope your dumb, cause that's all the excuse I need."

His voice was sharp as steel, and I faintly noticed that a crowd was begining to form, and it was only a matter of time before Beau's friends come to check out what all the commotion is about. Apparently I wasnt the only one worried, because the boy that helped me up, went up to Winston and said, "C'mon Dally, lets split. Pony's with us, and the last thing he needs is a fight with the socs'. Think about Johnny."

With that this Dally character visibly stiffened, and you could tell the tension between the boys was magnified. Giving Beau one final shove, he stalked off. The other boys quickly followed suite. The one who had put a stop to the fight, took ahold of my wrist and hauled me along after them.

Once we reached the exit, we filed out into th empty street.

"Jeez girly," Sideburns said, slapping me on the back, "He musta' been one helluv' a bad kisser." He cracked up laughing, again slapping me on the back.

The Winston guy glared at me and I found a chill run down my spine at his cold stare. "What the fuck are you doing here?" he bit out.

"I, I, ummm..."

"Awww, c'mon Dally, we couldnt just leave her there." The handsome boy said, interrupting my stammering. Dally gave him a sharp look, before turning his glare back to me. Stalking toward me he leaned in close to my ear.

"Why don't you undo the rest of those for us." He said flicking the collar of my shirt. I looked down to see the first three buttons on my shirt were undone, reveling the vally between my breasts, and the black lace of my bra peaking out from the sides. With a gasp, I quickly scrambled to button my shirt back up. He smirked as he brushed past me, causing me to fumble on the last button

"You okay?" The handsome boy asked.

Blushing furiously I whispered a quiet "Yeah."

"My name is Sodapop,and this here is my little brother Ponyboy, " he said pointing to the younger boy. Gesturing to Sideburns he said, "and this is Two-Bit..."

Giving me a soft smile, "You gotta' name?" he asked slowly.

"Carolina..." I said, looking down at my hands, "nice to meet you all." I added stoically, glancing over my sholder just as the figure retreated into the darkness.

"Don't mind Dallas, he's just like that." Sodapop said, not really meeting my eye.

"Dally just dont know a good thing even when it hits him with a door," Two-bit laughed, "you cant be all bad with the way you messed up that soc and all. You got some bite for a little thing." He said grinning. "I think that's exactly what ol' Dally needs... Speaking of needs, I need a beer. I aint near drunk enough for a friday night." He said grinning like a cheesy cat.

"Your starting to worry me Two-bit." Soda commented ruefully.

"Yep thats what I'm good for. Worry in' the women folk. Startin' to sound like my mom soda... Kinda look like her too, with that pretty face of your's." he cracked. The mood seemed to have changed because Soda tackeld Two-bit and they started wrestling right there in the middle of the street. I'd bet you could hear them yelling and hollering halfway down.

"You think your gonna need a ride home?" The youngest boy asked. I hadn't heard him walk up to me, but as I looked up at his face I could tell he was a little shy. Now that he mentioned it I realized I hadn't put much thought into how I was getting home.

"I'd like to say yes, but I don't live very close." I replied looking back at the other two boys playing in the street.

"Thats okay," he said, "I'll bet we can figure something out."

"Thank you." I told him turning to look him in the eye. I really wanted him to know I was grateful for everything they had done for me.

Although he said nothing, he finally met my eye..

Okay so thats chapter 3... It's a lot longer than the first two but I wanted to get to a certain point in the story before chapter 4. They wont all be this long, but I will definately try to make them longer than 1 and 2. Anyway, I'm not sure how I did keeping everyone in character, but I decided that after the events that happened in the book changes in personality and outlook were inevitable, but I still wanted to do that and keep them true to form. I would really appreciate feedback so please review! Please and Thanks!

Also I would like to thank TheGreaserGirl for being the first person to comment on my story, you made my day :)